FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- As the sun peaked over the top of 597th Maintenance Company's building at Knox Army Heliport the morning of May 11, eight Soldiers prepared for a six-month deployment to Iraq.
To aid them in their mission, the deploying members participated in specialized training for the past four months, according to 597th Maintenance Company commanding officer Maj. Jack Stewart.
He noted the company is the only one of its kind in the Army and provides global maintenance support of air traffic control systems.
"This isn't something that's new to most of (the Soldiers)," Stewart said. "We've been doing this mission since 2001 and there's nobody else (who) can do what we do. I feel very confident in all of these (Soldiers)."
Known as "Fast and Furious," 597th Maintenance Company's primary mission is to maintain and repair air traffic control equipment throughout the Middle East, according to 1st Sgt. Charles Bodner.
"They're all going to be stationed in Iraq, but they'll be responsible for the equipment in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq," Bodner said. "In addition to (their usual duties) they can also repair commercial, off-the-shelf air traffic control equipment packages that are being installed in all the commercial towers."
Team leader Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Bernal has never deployed before, but said he feels confident in himself and his team.
"We're definitely ready to go," he said. "I've been trying to go since 2004, but other assignments kept that from happening. We've got a good team."
Stewart also expressed his confidence in Bernal's leadership abilities.
"He's absolutely the right man for the job," he said. "I believe he's going to do great things over there and in the future."
For most of the Soldiers, deploying to the Middle East isn't a new experience, but some are going for the first time in their Army careers.
"I'm very nervous right now," Spc. KaVaughnjala Kalpen said. "I don't know what the atmosphere will be like there."
Kalpen's husband, Konrad Kalpen, a former warrant officer, has deployed four times to the region, three in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He said the difference between leaving and staying behind is vast.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Konrad said. "I think I'm feeling what everybody else felt when I left all those times before."
Konrad has confidence she will be fine once she's on the ground in Iraq.
"It's easier because I've been there," Konrad said. "I'm really excited for her."
In preparation for KaVaughnjala's departure, the Kalpens spent as much time together as possible.
Even though he's no stranger to deployments, this is Sgt. Timmy Cain's first time as a husband and father.
He deployed four times before and spent 1 1/2 years in Iraq. He said the most important thing he could pass to Soldiers leaving for the first time was to keep things in perspective.
"If you let things bother you, it can drive you nuts," he said. "I know the layout of the place we're going to and I know how to relax, so I'm not worried."
Cain's wife, Nancy and their daughter, Abigail, 1, spent time watching movies and taking lots of photos to prepare for his departure.
"It's what he has to do and I'm very proud of him," Nancy said. "I've made a lot of good friends with the other (spouses) so I think we'll be OK."
Abigail knows her father is leaving but is still too young to understand exactly what's happening or why, Nancy added.
"She cried when she found out daddy was leaving but I don't think she's fully grasped it yet," she said.
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